Lake Tahoe Preparatory School (formerly known as Squaw Valley Academy) is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory boarding school located in Olympic Valley, California. Established in 1978 by founder Donald Rees, the school provides a supportive academic environment with a focus on individualized learning and meaningful student-faculty relationships. Situated on 2.8 acres near the renowned Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows ski resorts, the school integrates rigorous academics with exceptional outdoor activities to promote student growth and wellness.
Founded in 1978 as Squaw Valley Academy, Lake Tahoe Preparatory School rebranded in 2020 to reflect its deep connection to the Lake Tahoe region and its commitment to fostering academic excellence and personal growth. Located in Olympic Valley, California, this college-preparatory boarding school serves approximately 60 students with a low student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1, ensuring personalized attention and tailored instruction. The school’s unique blend of rigorous academics, small class sizes, and access to world-class outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding at Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows creates an enriching environment for high school students. With a focus on preparing students for university success, the school offers a nurturing community that encourages confidence, leadership, and a passion for learning.
Academics
The school's primary focus is on college preparation for high school students (although this statement is controversial).
The school provides Advanced Placement (AP) courses, ESL for international students, an Academic Learning Center for struggling students, college counseling and SAT prep. It is also a Certified SAT testing location.
Students eat breakfast before attending morning classes Monday through Friday, eat lunch, and depart campus for supervised afternoon activities. They return to campus for dinner, and after a brief rest, they gather for mandatory, two-hour study hall, Sunday through Thursday nights. Students use study hall to finish their coursework from the day, prepare for the coming class the following day, write and research reports, and gain further instruction on course topics from teachers.
Athletics
The school mascot is the brown bear. Students may participate in intramural soccer. Students who wish to compete on a recreational level may participate in programs affiliated with Palisades Tahoe
Due to the location of the school, students who meet or exceed set academic standards may ski or snowboard daily at Tahoe Palisades ski resort. The school encourages students to "ride" (ski or snowboard) at the resort of their choice, and makes arrangements to transport and supervise students.
Campus
The 2.8-acre campus in Olympic Valley, California, features five buildings: three dormitory buildings with ground-level classrooms and offices, an administrative building with a dining hall and additional classrooms, and a maintenance building. Located just two miles from Palisades Tahoe and less than five miles from Alpine Meadows, the campus provides students with access to world-class outdoor activities, including skiing and snowboarding, which are seamlessly integrated into the school’s extracurricular and wellness programs.
Community Engagement
Lake Tahoe Preparatory School is deeply engaged with the local Lake Tahoe community, offering students opportunities to build social skills and confidence through extracurricular activities and community involvement. The school encourages prospective families to schedule a campus visit to experience its unique environment, blending the resources of a larger institution with the personalized attention of a small boarding school. To arrange a visit, contact the school at 530-583-8665.
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